BEGINNER’S PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING IN SURREY

Family, newborn and personal branding photographer, Helen Duke, sits on a white sofa, holding a camera and smiling.

BEGINNER’S PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING TO HELP YOU FINALLY UNDERSTAND THE CAMERA YOU’VE HAD FOR YEARS!

“The expert in anything was once a beginner.”

Helen Hayes

Hi, I’m Helen. As both an experienced photographer and a former teacher, I love helping others feel more confident using their camera.

Learning about photography doesn’t need to be complicated or overwhelming. You don’t need to understand endless technical jargon or read your camera manual cover to cover.

Instead, you can learn at your own pace, asking as many questions as you like, with me in a calm, supportive environment.

I offer a number of different options for Beginner’s Photography Training. Scroll down for a little more information and get in touch if you’d like to ask me anything at all..

 

{

EXCELLENT

We booked Helen for an introduction to photography class. Helen was excellent at explaining the basics and how to use our new camera to get the most out of it (with our very basic knowledge!). She talked us through the key settings, how to frame photos in different light/scenarios and even sent us away with a useful and easy to use fact sheet. Would definitely recommend. Thank you Helen.

Kay (Epsom, Surrey)

BEGINNER’S PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING OPTIONS

1:1 BEGINNER’S PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING

A baby boy laughs while sitting on a blanket in grassland in South West London

ongoing sessions to help you feel confident with your camera.

designed for complete beginners wanting to move away from auto mode and understanding how their camera works, without any overwhelm.

We meet weekly, focusing on exactly what you need most.

Each session includes a mix of simple theory, practical shooting, and plenty of time to recap on anything you’d like to. Nothing is rushed, you can learn at your own pace and there is no such thing as a silly question.

And there are always snacks!

Details

  • 2 hour sessions
  • Weekdays between 9:30am and 2:30pm
  • Booked in blocks of 3

 

£420 for 3 sessions

 

ONE OFF BEGINNER’S PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING

An image of a toddler smiling up at someone off camera as he stands in front of sunflowers in Surrey.

A supportive, bespoke one off session to help you finally feel confident using your camera.

designed for complete beginners wanting to move away from auto mode.

understand how your DSLR or mirrorless camera works without it feeling technical or overwhelming.

You’ll come away with a clearer understanding of your settings, and the confidence to start practising on your own.

a lovely option if you have a holiday or family event coming up.

Sessions are usually one-to-one, but you’re also able to share with a friend if you’d prefer to learn together.

Details

  • 3 hour session
  • Weekdays in Walton-on-thames, surrey

£295 1:1

£360 1:2

 

SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE FOR PARENTS

Two young sisters sit in long grass during their Surrey photoshoot

COMING SOON!

take more natural, meaningful photos of your children using the camera you already have with you every day.

online course designed for parents who want to move beyond quick snapshots and start capturing photographs that really reflect their children and family life. Nothing complicated, just small, manageable changes that make a big difference.

learn how to notice light, improve your composition, and capture real moments as they happen, all using your phone.

six short modules that you can work through in your own time, fitting around family life.

be the first to hear when it’s released, click below to join the waitlist. You’ll also have access to a special introductory price.

Details

  • Online course
  • 6 modules
  • Work through at your own pace
  • Introductory price £49 

YOUR QUESTIONS

Do I need to know anything about photography before booking?

Not at all. These sessions are designed for complete beginners, including people who have had their camera for years but still feel unsure how to use it properly. We keep things relaxed, with plenty of time for questions along the way.

What type of camera do I need?

The in person training sessions are suitable for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. If you’re unsure whether your camera is suitable, you’re very welcome to send me a message before booking and I can help.

What will I learn during the sessions?

That depends a little on which option you choose and what you’d most like help with, but key topics we cover include understanding light, getting off auto mode, improving composition, and learning how to capture more natural photographs of your children and everyday life.

I’m worried I’ll feel overwhelmed. What are the sessions actually like?

The sessions are designed to feel really manageable, not technical or intimidating. We work at your pace, with lots of practical examples and time to ask questions as we go. My aim is always to help you feel more confident, not overloaded with information.

Where do the sessions take place?

One-to-one sessions take place on weekday daytimes in Walton-on-Thames in Surrey. Depending on the session, we may work indoors, outdoors or a mixture of both. We can chat about the details when you book in so we can plan something that works well for you.

What if I’m not very creative?

You absolutely do not need to think of yourself as “creative” to enjoy photography. Often it’s just about learning to notice light, connection and small moments in a different way.

Two sisters smile at the camera while playing in Surrey

Get in Touch about photography training